1946day.year
James Larkin White
(1882 - 1946)
American miner, explorer, and park ranger
American miner
explorer
and park ranger
American explorer and park ranger credited with discovering and promoting Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Born in 1882 in Carlsbad, New Mexico, James Larkin White began his career working in local mines before turning his attention to cave exploration.
In 1908, he discovered a massive underground chamber that would later be named Lacey Field, sparking widespread interest in the caverns.
White meticulously mapped miles of passageways and lobbied Congress for federal protection.
His efforts led to the establishment of Carlsbad Caverns National Park in 1923, where he served as one of its first park rangers.
White's dedication to conservation and exploration left an enduring legacy after his death in 1946.
1946
James Larkin White